1. I am performing step three tomorrow (end of flush) using that Valvoline. Already, I've noticed an improvement is shift quality.

2. After tomorrow, I do want to install Honda fluid, but how do I go about doing it if I have flushed with Valvoline? I did watch a YouTube video where an owner of a 2001 Accord only flushed using a Dexron III fluid, but then went to Honda fluid after flushing. However, that part of the video was left out.

3. As stated, I have located Honda fluids on Amazon and eBay, but are there other sites where I can get it at a lower price?

 

Anyone else have advice for my situation?

 

At this point. I would do another round, three, of drain and fills using the Honda Fluid.

Places/prices.....Carquest sells the Honda Fluid for $7.99 a quart....so compare that to the "online price PLUS shipping cost"....no waiting on shipping plus you can get one quart if that is all you need. Of course there is the local Honda dealer.

 

Never knew CARQUEST sold OEM fluids. I went to their site and they offer buy online, pick-up in store. It's about three miles from me. Also learned I could have purchased the genuine Toyota Red antifreeze there for $27 instead of the $36 I paid at the dealership, which is on the same street.

At 7.99 a quart, it's actually cheaper than what is being sold on eBay and Amazon. A guy in Pennsylvania is selling one quart for $7.25 and $15 shipping.

CARQUEST is closed Sunday, so I will go there tomorrow to pick it up.

 

Good to hear

They carry a few different OE fluids, I think I've even seen some OE Toyota trans fluid there as well??? Not sure if your Toyota is auto and takes the "special" fluid or not...just something to think about......or I might be getting confused with the Nissan fluid......anyway, again, I'm glad you were able to find the fluid at a decent price.

As you know, the auto trans in the 98-02 Accord is not the best. The fluid change is a "try".

If that doesn't help. Many have driven for "some time" (? months, years) with it acting up before it finally goes. If it does and you go for a rebuild, be sure to get the "upgrade" in the valve body of the trans. Here is a link to what I think is the best answer as to "WHY" these trans fail: http://www.sonnax.com/system/pdfs/35...pdf?1320330979

It is a bit of a "read" but I think these folks figured out the "why".

 

Picked up the DW-1 yesterday. Will be draining out three quarts of the old and installing three of the DW-1 later today. The Corolla is a manual trans. with 223K. I still have the original clutch, but it's being replaced in a few days. I use Redline MT-90 in it (only two quarts).

After going through this forum, it appears the transmissions really do act up a lot. I figure paying $77 for the genuine Honda fluid is the best thing I can do right now. It's pricey, but I'm changing the fluid on time (120K). I know rebuilds on these can cost over $1,500. And, I know these VTECS can go well over 300K.

I plan on keeping this car for the long haul.

After work, I'll get around to reading that link.

 

Ahh...the over-heated torque converters. And, I was unaware of the low-pump capacity.

Brings back horrid memories of my old 1995 Geo Metro with a three-speed auto. It was a cheap car and didn't intend on keeping it too long (I still have a Toyota with it).

Too much heat killed it the transmission Trans. shop said only alternative is an external oil cooler. I'll pass. Scrapped it. Only automatic I've owned.

I appreciate your help! On step two of draining transmission and filling with genuine DW-1. Jacked up RR to get more fluid out.

 

Again, I'm hoping for the best for you.

Either way, on this car, I'd call the trans fluid change a 15~20K thing.....again just me. I would do one drain/fill at that time.

Yes I might have OCD, on several things....or everything?. I change the auto trans fluid - again one cycle - on my auto Honda's on this schedule just so I can try to sleep better at night even though the Honda auto's I have are not known for any issues.